While driving down the highways, how many have I seen
Of Christian signs and banners–some pretty, some obscene.
And everywhere are fancy signs to make a Christian out of me
Like “Jesus–the Reason for the Season,” or some such fantasy.
Mangers, Wise Men, Shepherds, a star above a feeding stall
Surround me like a blanket leaving hardly room to breathe at all.
Religious scenes on public lands outside of city halls,
Baby Jesus in the classrooms, bibles passed out in the malls,
Choke reason from the victims of this vast wide sticky net
Of pious talk upon our doors, our roads, and the Internet.
But let some atheists post one sign saying reason should prevail
Over the myth of Christmas, and you will hear the Fundies’ wail
That atheists are not respectful, that they should die, leave, or go to jail.
And thus we learn the lesson, from what we see with solemn awe,
That they think Christians are the only ones protected under law.

Edwin Kagin
November 30, 2010